Weight Receptacle System for Gravity-Driven Race Car

ABSTRACT

A model race car includes a body formed from a material such as wood. A number of axles are secured to a bottom portion of the body and configured to rotatably support a number of corresponding wheels. A weight receptacle system configured for selective attachment to the body of the model race car includes at least one receptacle defining at least one compartment configured to receive at least one weight. The receptacle further includes a cover receivable over the at least one compartment to secure the weight within the compartment. The receptacle system is configured to selectively adjust a weight of the model race car so as to conform to a desired weight. Moreover, the receptacle system is configured to enable to position the weight so that a center of mass is positioned rearward with respect to a front of the model race car while maintaining the stability thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/328,394 filed on Apr. 27, 2010 and entitled Weight Receptacle System for Gravity-Driven Race Car, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of model car racing and, more particularly, to Pinewood Derby® style hobby craft model cars and the like and the racing thereof.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Craft model car racing has been a popular hobby for many years. The most popular and well-known type of craft model car racing is known as the Pinewood Derby®. Known craft model car racing typically encompasses a competitive event in which participants of all ages, and in particular, relatively young participants may design, build, and race model cars that are constructed from a relatively lightweight material such as, for example, pinewood.

Pinewood Derby® style cars are raced by a number of groups across the United States and world including, chiefly amongst them, the Boy Scouts of America; however, a number of other groups participate in similar such racing events including the Girl Scouts of America, AWANDA, Scouts Canada, Christian Service Brigade, Royal Rangers, and the YMCA Adventure Guides. Today, in the Boy Scouts alone, there are over 2.8 million individual scouts involved in more than 122,000 packs that participate in such events. Such racing is also growing in popularity among adults through corporate and private parties, leagues, events, and the like.

In advance of the races, participants are provided with a kit such as, for example, a Grand Prix Pinewood Derby® kit or similar such kit, that includes a block of material such as, for example, pinewood, four wheels, four axles, a set of stickers, decals or the like, and an official set of rules. Each participant uses the materials provided in the kit to construct a gravity-powered model race car configured for running down an inclined race track according to the specifications provided in the rules set. For instance, a common set of specifications requires that the model race car have a width not to exceed 2¾ inches, a length not to exceed 7 inches, a weight not to exceed 5 ounces, and a bottom clearance of ⅜ inch from the track to the bottom of the model race car.

Past designs of such model race cars were relatively primitive and focused more on aesthetics rather than performance; however, with the increasing popularity of such events, participants have increasingly sought to design a model race car that is not only aesthetically pleasing but that is also designed to be competitive. In particular, participants have increasingly sought outside guidance and understanding as to the physics involved in designing a winning model race car. One of the more common difficulties faced by participants is in designing and building a model race car that weights exactly 5 ounces, while also having the mass thereof concentrated so as to optimize the performance of the model race car. Basic physics indicates that designing a model race car with the maximum weight and with a center of mass that is far rearward as possible, while still maintaining a relatively stable base, is most desirable in obtaining the optimal speed.

The wood block of known model race car kits generally weighs approximately 3 ounces. When creating their model race cars, participants generally remove wood from the block, thereby reducing the weight thereof. The more advanced participant will recognize that removing a portion of the material from the wheels of their race car reduces the rotational mass and therefore decreases the moment of inertia and further reduces the weight of the race car.

Understandably, a race car that weighs less than the five-ounce maximum weight limit is at a significant disadvantage as compared to vehicles that weigh five ounces. Therefore, any material removed by the participant from the car's block and wheels while designing to improve performance of the car must be accounted for. One way in which participants have previously attempted to account for the weight lost due to the construction of their model race car has been to add a material such as lead, tungsten, cast white metal, washers, coins, and the like.

Oftentimes, participants will fail to account for the weight added to their model race car by the primer and paint that is applied to the model race car as it can be difficult to account for how much weight the paint and primer will add to their finished model race car. Accordingly, participants are often forced to make final weight adjustments to their vehicles once the car has already been painted, which results in an undesirable finish, look, and performance. Moreover, most participants do not realize that their model race car is either under or over weight until the day of their race and then are left to make last minute weight changes to their vehicle. In such situations, participants often must resort to using drills, files, pocket knives, saws, and the like to make these final weight adjustments. Oftentimes, these tools are borrowed and unfamiliar to the user making use thereof even more difficult and even potentially dangerous to the participant.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a solution to one or more of the foregoing disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a gravity-driven model race car having a body provided with a weight receptacle system adapted to receive and retain at least one weight-bearing element. In at least one embodiment, the weight receptacle system includes at least one receptacle having at least one internal compartment. The receptacle is attached externally or internally relative to the body of the model race car. The receptacle is provided with a removable or hinged cover for retaining the weight therein.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is ruggedized and reliable, thereby decreasing down time and operating costs. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that has one or more of the characteristics discussed above but which is relatively simple to manufacture and assemble using a minimum of equipment. Another object of the invention is to provide a method that is predictable and reproducible, thereby decreasing variance and operating costs. Another object of the invention is to provide a method that has one or more of the characteristics discussed above but which is relatively simple to set up and work with.

These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a typical track for a gravity-driven model race car;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view of a starting gate of the track of FIG. 1 having a typical model race car positioned thereat;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a model race car employing a weight receptacle system according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the model race car of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the weight receptacle system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a model race car employing an alternative construction of a weight receptacle system according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the model race car FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a model race car employing yet another alternative construction of a weight receptacle system according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the model race car FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a model race car employing yet another alternative construction of a weight receptacle system according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the model race car FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of yet another alternative construction of a weight receptacle system according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of yet another alternative construction of a weight receptacle system according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of yet another alternative construction of a weight receptacle system according to the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of yet another alternative construction of a weight receptacle system according to the present invention.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention that is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words “connected”, “attached”, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

With reference now to the drawing figures in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the disclosure.

Referring to the drawings, and initially FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary race track 10 is generally used in model racing car competition such as, for example, the Pinewood Derby® racing competition. Track 10 normally includes an inclined hill section 12 and a level horizontal track section 14 connected by a curved section 16 that provides a transition between the hill section 12 and the track section 14. Hill section 12 is generally supported at an acute angle, for example, such as approximately 27° by a support structure 18 including a starting gate 20 configured for retaining a race car 22 according to the present invention at a stationary starting position on the hill section 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, hill section 12 may be approximately 7 feet long and track section 14 may be approximately 25 feet in length to provide a track 10 that is approximately 32 feet long. Of course, any number of alternative lengths may be used in practicing the present invention. An upper end of hill section 12 is typically raised approximately 4 feet relative to the track section 14, which is supported on flat surface 24. Track section 14 makes up the majority of track 10 and terminates at a finish line 26, which may be monitored visually, mechanically, or electronically. Track 10 ends with a stop section 28 and generally uses friction to stop further movement of race car 22. Understandably, track 10 may comprise any number of alternative constructions in keeping with the present invention, and it is further understood that track 10 may be constructed so as to accommodate more than one race car 22 at a given time so that more than one race car 22 may travel along track 10 at a given time.

Referring now to FIG. 2, race car 22 is shown positioned at starting gate 20. Starting gate 20 generally may be a selectively moveable element configured to prevent movement while it is in a raised or operative position and which may be moved to a lowered or non-operative position in which race car 22 is free to travel down track 20.

Race car 22 may be formed from a generally block-shaped piece of wood such as, for example, pinewood, or a similar such material that makes up a body 30 of race car 22. Race car 22 may further include four axles 32 and 34, which may be positioned at a rear and front of race car 22 respectively. Axles 32 and 34 may be in the form of nails, screws, bolts, pins, or the like. Alternatively, axles 32 and 34 may extend across a width of race car 22 such that only two axles are necessary. Each of the axles 32 and 34 carries a wheel 36 rotatably mounted thereto. The overall weight of race car 22 may generally be no greater than five ounces. Of course, alternative weights are within the scope of the present invention.

In operation, race car 22 is placed on track 10 in such a manner that only gravity may be used to propel race car 22 down track 10 and toward finish line 26. Understandably, counteracting forces such as the moment of inertia, friction, wind resistance, and the like operate against gravity to slow race car 22 from moving down track 10. Participants often will polish car axels 32, 34 so that they move more smoothly, raise a wheel 36 off the track 10, and align their wheels 36 and axles 32, 34 to ensure that race car 22 runs substantially straight along track 10 and to prevent race car 22 from contacting the guide rails of track 10.

As is generally understood, as gravity is the only force operating to propel race car 22 toward finish line 26, velocity of the race car 22 may be optimized by increasing the weight of the car to the maximum-allowed weight, e.g., 5 ounces, and by locating the center of mass of race car 22 as high as possible with respect to hill section 12 and as far rearward as possible while still maintaining the stability of race car 22.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be further described by the following, non-limiting examples which will serve to illustrate various features of significance. The examples are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the present invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-15, and initially FIG. 3, in accordance with the present invention, a weight receptacle system 38 a may be selectively attached externally or internally to race car 22. Weight receptacle system 38 a enables participants to better control the concentration of the mass of their race car 22. In particular, weight receptacle system 38 a allows participants to specifically locate a variable amount of weight within the system 38 a to enable the participant to control the weight of the race car 22.

Still referring to FIG. 3 as well as FIGS. 4 and 5, a first construction of weight receptacle system 38 a is provided in which weight receptacle system 38 a, according to the invention, may be attached to a bottom surface of body 30 by one or more fasteners 40. As is understood in the art, body 30 is formed width-wise along a bottom surface with a pair of spaced-apart channels 42 configured to receive and retain a pair of axle-receiving components 44. Each axle-receiving component 44 is provided with a groove 46 for receiving a respective axle 32 and 34 therein after the axle passes through a center hole in the respective wheel 36.

System 38 a includes a receptacle 48 having a peripheral side wall and a series of internal walls 52 defining a series of weight-receiving compartments 54 for receiving a series of complimentary sized and shaped weights 56 which may or may not be detachably connected to each other. The weight receptacle 48 also is provided with two bosses 58 that form through holes 60 for receiving the fasteners 40 that are driven, such as by a screwdriver, into the bottom surface of the block 40. One end of the weight receptacle 48 has a pair of mounting ears 62 with apertures 64, and an opposite end has a hinge pin 66 which is engaged by a cooperating hinge element 68 on one end of a cover 70. An opposite end of the cover 70 is formed with a pair of recesses 72 for receiving a pair of fasteners 74 which are typically screw threaded into the apertures 64 on weight receptacle 48.

Weight receptacle 48 may be first attached to the bottom surface of block 40 after which the weights 56 may be placed in compartments 54, and cover 70 may be hingedly swung shut over weights 56 and held closed by inserting fasteners 74 in the walls forming recesses 72 to retain the weights 56 within the weight receptacle 48. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, weight receptacle 48, weights 56, and cover 70 may have a trapezoidal configuration, but it should be understood that the weight receptacle 48, the weights 56, and the cover 70 may have various shapes and sizes.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, an alternative construction of system 38 according to the present invention is illustrated as system 38 b in which the system 38 b is attached by fasteners 40 to a top surface of body 30. System 38 b differs only in that it includes a rectangular configuration and may additionally include a weight receptacle 48 having multiple weight compartments 54 for receiving a series of weights 56 and is held closed by a removable cover 70 and corresponding fasteners 74. Understandably, the present embodiment may be configured like that of FIGS. 3-5 or the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5 may include a construction like that of the present embodiment.

Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a weight receptacle system 38 c is illustrated. System 38 c may be attached by an adhesive 76 in side pockets 78 formed in each side wall of body 30. Weight receptacle system 38 c may include a weight receptacle 48 having a number of weight compartments 54 for receiving a series of weights 56. In the present embodiment, the weights 56 may be held in weight receptacle 48 by cover 70 and fasteners 74, which pass through recesses 72 of cover 70 and through internally threaded holes 80 on weight receptacle 48.

Now referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, weight receptacle 38 d is illustrated and is coupled to body 30 by an adhesive 76 applied in pockets 78 formed in the bottom surface of body 30 forwardly and rearwardly of rear axles 32.

Understandably, any combination of the foregoing features may be incorporated in any of the alternative corresponding embodiments in keeping with the spirit of the invention. Moreover, it should be understood that any number of systems 38 a, 38 b, 38 c, and 38 d may be attached externally or internally on body 30 of race car 22 in keeping with the present invention. Weight receptacles 48, weights 56, and covers 70 may also vary in shape and size as desired.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, alternatively shaped and sized receptacle systems 38 e, 38 f, 38 g, and 38 h are illustrated respectively in which each embodiment includes a weight receptacle 48 having at least one weight-receiving compartment 54, at least one weight 56, and a cover 70 that is removably attached to the weight receptacle 48.

Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.

For example, the weight system could be enhanced by providing additional configurations. Similarly, although metal, wood, and plastic are preferred for the components discussed above, any material could be used in their place. In addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials.

Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Further, although the weight receptacle and weights described herein are physically separate modules, it will be manifest that they may be integrated. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims. 

1. A weight receptacle system for a model race car having a body and a plurality of axles rotatably supporting a plurality of wheels and coupled to the body, the weight receptacle system comprising: at least one receptacle selectively mountable to the body and defining at least one compartment; at least one weight selectively receivable in the at least one compartment of the at least one receptacle; and a cover removably secured to the at least one receptacle and configured to secure the weight within the at least one compartment. 